Residents of the Santa Clara and River Road communities show clear lack of trust for politics as usual.

Sam Stites

EUGENE, OR — After being bombarded by debates, political advertisements and media, most people are decided on who they will vote for, but still feel skeptical about their decision.

The people of North Eugene’s Santa Clara and River Road communities are all singing the same song: confusion. Some are insecure with the president’s compromises towards the republican party while others just aren’t informed.

Amanda Stevens, a resident of Owosso Drive in North Eugene, said she is confused in the direction the democratic party is going, but despite her confusion her loyalty to her party hasn’t changed.

“I’m disappointed that they’re allowing so much leniency towards the republicans,” Stevens said. “Depending on their view points in certain subjects I will stay loyal to them, however, I like to research the facts and understand what I’m going for before throwing in my support.”

Kimberly Goad, a middle-aged mother of one, also expressed confusion towards the election but for a much different reason than Stevens.

Goad explained that although she identifies herself as independent she did not vote in the last election. As far as this election goes, Goad isn’t deeply invested in any of the national or local issues.

Scott Kent — an employee of Shooter’s pub and grill — said that he felt Obama hasn’t gotten anything done, yet he will still vote for him this election.

“I’m about even on it,” Kent said. “I’m going to give the man another four years to figure it out. You can’t really fix something thats that messed up in four years, you need time to implement your stuff.”

Kent said that he typically stays loyal to his party but he doesn’t believe everything that they say. He likes to research their opinions and policies to help inform his decision.

Kent went on to explain that an issue important to him on this ballot is measure 80, an initiative that would regulate the sale and consumption of cannabis for adult and industrial use.

“We [Oregon] could be very prosperous when we legalize marijuana,” Kent said. “As for the fact of whether it will [pass] or not I don’t see it happening, but I’m gonna vote for it and I hope it does.”

Stevens also commented on measure 80’s ability to pass popular vote. She believes it would benefit the state monetarily but doubts it will get passed.

“I think it’s a good policy, however, I don’t see it actually going through,” Stevens said. “Federally I think it’s going to be hard to allow that.”

One thing that particularly irked people in North Eugene over the past weeks of the election campaign is that third-party candidates aren’t allowed to participate in debates with republican and democratic candidates.

Goad said she believes all candidates should have the right to be nationally televised in one debate. Stevens also expressed interest in a debate with more than two party’s candidates.

“I don’t think it’s fair, everyone should have the right to voice their opinion,” Stevens said. “If its someone who actually is going to make a difference and has that political sway within the arena, then they should be able to state what they want.”

Kent said his view on debates is that if someone has a presence in the polls then they should be able to debate with the other candidates.

“We were founded on grassroots, small parties saying, ‘no way, we’re done with this’,” Kent said. “We should get everyone a chance to say their mind.”